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Tuesday October 17, 2006

By Mike Cameron

Frank Broughton To Seek Second Term as Assistant Judge

   With four years of experience in both Superior and Family Court on his resume, Addison County Assistant Judge Frank Broughton will once again run for one of two assistant judge positions here in Addison County in the November 7th  general election.

Broughton, a Republican, a life long resident of Cornwall, and the owner of a hardware and  agricultural supply business in Bridport has a solid grasp of Addison County’s history, business and its citizens needs.    

In a recent interview with The Valley Voice, Judge Broughton explained why he has decided to run for another 4-year term.

“About 70 percent of our time is spent in Family Court with the remaining 30 percent in Superior Court.  Family Court involves making decisions that effect many peoples lives.  Our main responsibility is to protect the children who are involved.

Naturally financial issues, custody cases and other issues make our decisions very difficult at times, the parties involved will present their best case.  We are instructed to judge each case on the evidence presented according to Vermont Law,”  Judge Broughton explained.

Broughton also mentioned that specialized training is becoming more important than ever for assistant judges across the state.  This includes specialized training in Traffic Court, Small Claims, and Divorce Court.  Broughton is certified to hear divorce cases and has the power to make final decisions, he also plans to attend the Small Claims Court class which involves over 100 hours of study at Vermont Law School in Royalton.  

“Specialized training is important and experience in the court room is also very important”, he explained further.

For example, child custody in a divorce proceeding can be emotional, but the  presiding judge needs to weigh the evidence presented by either side and follow Vermont State Law to arrive at what the law in this state calls an “equitable” solution.  In Superior Court, the Superior Court Judge will be accompanied on the bench by two Assistant Judges.  It is interesting to note that the side judges have more power than one might think.

In Vermont an assistant judge can overrule a Superior Court Judge in matters relating to facts of a case but  they can not overrule the Judge when a decision is made based on the law.

Side Judges are also the Assistant Administrative Officers of the county and oversee a budget of approximately $335,000 (dollars) which includes the Sheriffs Department and Superior Court Staff.  Part of the budget is shared with the Addison County Sheriffs Department.  “We have kept the budget and tax rate very stable over the past 4 years.” Broughton mentioned.  The current tax rate is approximately .085 and steady.  “We have also enjoyed an excellent partnership with the Sheriff’s Department and they have shared part of the budget with us.  County tax payers have benefited from this”.  

Asked about what an assistant judge brings to the bench, Broughton explained that “knowledge of the area, and knowledge of law through training and experience,” go hand in hand.”

Broughton said that it has been a rewarding four years on the bench for him and he is looking forward to serving the county with another four year term.

 

Jeff McDonough Will Run For Addison County Assistant Judge

   Jeffrey E. McDonough of Middlebury will be one of three candidates running for one of two side judge positions here in Addison County. Four years ago, McDonough running as an Independent made an unsuccessful but surprisingly strong bid for the same elected office. This year he will be running as a Democrat.

The untimely death of Assistant Judge Wayne Heath several weeks ago has changed the electoral landscape, with incumbent Assistant Judge Frank Broughton, and Betsy Gossens who is retired after 30 years of service with Addison County Home Health services. the only other candidates currently in the race. Speculation that others might run, with or without party affiliation remains to be seen.

McDonough came in third in 2002 after being edged out by Broughton by about 40 votes, which is considered an excellent showing for a first time vote seeker. “I was not going to run, but Wayne Heath encouraged me to give it a shot and I did,” Jeff remembers.

McDonough feels that he can make a difference in both Superior Court and Family Court if elected. He brings an impressive executive resume to the table. As CEO of three different insurance companies over his 35-year career, he feels that he has the experience in budgeting, personnel management and marketing to make the “tough decisions” that have to be made on the bench. “Sometimes you have to stand long, it all comes down to making the right decisions through serious negotiations to reach a compromise,” he explained.

Jeff McDonough is an Addison County Native, U.S. Military Veteran, and life long insurance industry professional. He is a Certified Professional Insurance Agent-Life Member, Past CPI New England President, and member of the board of directors of the Professional Insurance Agents of New England, member of the board Middlebury Co-Op Credit Union, Board of Directors of Vermont Federal Credit Union, and is currently Chairman and CEO of Underwriters Agency of New England, Inc. here in Middlebury.

McDonough talks about the challenges that being an Assistant Judge entails, including the numerous hours of self study and formal classroom work required in the job. “Continuing education is part of my profession now. We are constantly updating the methods and the technology we use in the insurance business frequently,” he explained. McDonough is currently licensed in 40 states.

“I've given this opportunity considerable thought. Friends like Ralph Jackman whom I have considerable respect for and have worked on legislation with to protect firefighters like the original Heart Bill 25 years ago, have encouraged me to run again. I'm looking forward to the challenges that come with being elected and serving as an Assistant Judge in Addison County,” he explained.


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